Following closing week’s wonder announcement, Walt Disney International has filed the primary development lets in for the overhaul of Animation Courtyard. This stocks complete main points, plus our remark in regards to the lack of this iconic archway that is without doubt one of the closing remnants of the unique Disney-MGM Studios.
In the event you neglected it, Walt Disney International made an out-of-the-blue announcement that Animation Courtyard is being reimagined into the Walt Disney Studios Lot at Hollywood Studios. The most important trade is that the Roy E. Disney Animation Development is changing Superstar Wars Release Bay at Hollywood Studios, and can home an all-new circle of relatives enjoy, “The Magic of Disney Animation.”
The reimagined “The Magic of Disney Animation” is encouraged by means of the fan-favorite quick, “As soon as Upon a Studio.” It starts because the animators have quickly stepped away, however the characters have come to existence they usually’re in a position to play. Visitors will have interaction with and discover foolish takes at the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, together with the numerous other studio departments. You’ll see portraits come to existence earlier than your eyes, in finding inspiration with a brief movie, and may even pencil in a while to learn to draw your very personal persona cartoon.
The brand new-look land will draw inspiration from a number of constructions discovered at the Disney campuses in Burbank, California. This will likely come with the Studio Theater and different constructions, which can get new appears, plus a contemporary Disney Jr. display on the soundstage. There’s additionally going to be the “Interested in Wonderland” indoor playground.
The brand new-look Walt Disney Studios Lot could also be reimagining the typical spaces of Animation Courtyard. It’ll have grassy grounds and a courtyard house the place households can take a smash to play, loosen up, or snack on tasty treats beneath lush timber. Disney has additionally implied that spontaneous persona appearances will happen beneath those timber.
The Walt Disney Studios Lot and “The Magic of Disney Animation” will open in 2026. As Walt Disney International prepares for this variation, Animation Courtyard, together with Superstar Wars Release Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will shut starting September 25, 2025.
Right through this time, visitors will nonetheless be capable to cross beneath the ocean with Ariel in “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Journey” and benefit from the reveals and picture presentation at Walt Disney Items.
This brings us to the brand new development lets in which were filed. The first allow is for 561 Degree Lane, the positioning of the long-lasting Disney’s Hollywood Studios archway, which will likely be demolished as a part of the Animation Courtyard reimagining. This lists the scope of the paintings as “supply hard work, subject material and/or electric for development” and is assigned to Buena Vista Development Corporate.
The 2d allow is for close by 551 Degree Lane. That is the cope with of the popcorn cart at once out of doors Animation Courtyard. It is a cool cart and has been there for years–I’ve pictures of it relationship again some time–however I doubt any individual goes to shed tears over it. And after all, the popcorn cart is almost certainly simply being quickly relocated all through demolition and development.
Something to notice this is that Buena Vista Development Corporate generally handles smaller-scale tasks; they’re Walt Disney International’s in-house contractor that handles fundamental upkeep and paintings. We haven’t in point of fact noticed their scope amplify to surround full-scale demolition, so that is most likely laying the groundwork for that. It’s now not the real demolition of the gateway front to Animation Courtyard.
BVCC handles more effective such things as relocating that popcorn cart and coping with the underlying electric; possibly one thing equivalent with the archway. We’re hoping that the pretty bas-relief panels at the archway are preserved and relocated–with a bit of luck, the primary allow pertains to that. We don’t be expecting this archway to head in the back of development partitions till past due September; it’ll almost certainly be demolished as temporarily as conceivable as soon as it does.
In isolation, those lets in aren’t all that meaningful. We indubitably is probably not doing a separate publish on each and every unmarried inconsequential development allow filed for the Animation Courtyard, as there will likely be many. Alternatively, we would have liked an ‘excuse’ to revisit this reimagining and substitute mission, and those lets in presented that.
First, those lets in must provide an explanation for the backdrop of the announcement within the first position. We’ve heard from quite a lot of enthusiasts who’re puzzled and/or serious about why the Walt Disney Studios Lot could be introduced a month earlier than Vacation spot D23. In spite of everything, this information feels tailored for an match like that.
It’s a singles and doubles genre win that replaces some of the worst spaces in all of Walt Disney International, and does so by means of bringing again an extinct enchantment, weaving in nods to the corporate’s historical past, and comprises placemaking upgrades. That’s catnip for diehard Walt Disney International enthusiasts!
The ones within the “excited” camp have assumed that the Animation Courtyard information getting preempted from Vacation spot D23 implies that there’s a jam-packed slate of reports. That that is mainly being bumped for time. It’s our working out that that is now not correct, and we’d strongly counsel adjusting your expectancies.
In all probability, this Animation Courtyard announcement got here out of left box on a random morning as a result of Walt Disney International had to get out forward of development lets in. In the event that they didn’t make a statement, lets in during the last couple of weeks would result in rampant hypothesis.
That hypothesis would possibly result in unhappiness, as there were rumors about longer-term plans which might be bold. As an alternative of being serious about a small near-term victory, there’s a model of this announcement that comes to unhappiness as it fell in need of no matter we constructed up in our heads over the following month.
Some other factor we wish to talk about is the lack of the long-lasting archway, which has been round for the reason that Disney-MGM Studios days. Since I’ve been a fan, this gateway has long gone thru many alternative colour and brand adjustments, however it’s nonetheless controlled to stay round whilst such a lot of the park has long gone extinct.
We’ve misplaced the Earful Tower and the whole thing else at the backlot. Grauman’s Chinese language Theater survived the substitute of Nice Film Trip, fortunately. That or Tower of Terror are almost certainly the park’s visible ‘icon’ now, however this archway used to be a detailed 2d for plenty of enthusiasts. I’ve numerous circle of relatives pictures from over time with this serving because the backdrop.
Dropping the archway does really feel like the tip of an technology, and I’ll be moderately unhappy to peer it cross. Emphasis on moderately. Whilst I’ve my nostalgia for the arch–as do many different longtime enthusiasts–I additionally suppose a powerful case may also be made for ditching this. It’s an entranceway to a “land” that exists off the primary hub of the park, and feels adore it’s virtually gating-off what must be a extra open and alluring area.
It’s tough to shake the glasses of nostalgia, however I believe like if the park had been constructed these days from the bottom up, enthusiasts would view this archway as awkwardly-placed. Although now not, there’s one thing to be mentioned for changing this with the precise studio lot front signage, and letting the Sorcerer Mickey Hat be the “wienie” deeper within the Walt Disney Studio Lot that beckons visitors into the realm.
Clearing that sightline to make this house extra inviting is a brilliant transfer, and a probably really useful one. It’s sudden simply how lifeless Animation Courtyard has felt over time regardless of being proper there within the dead-center of the park.
Despite the fact that the elimination of the archway does really feel symbolically-significant for the loss of life of the Disney-MGM Studios, the substance is what issues extra. “The Magic of Disney Animation” moves me as a return-to-form and the primary “studios park” trade at DHS in a very long time.
Above all else, it’s heartening to peer development lets in filed so rapid, and that the explanation this announcement got here earlier than Vacation spot D23 used to be as a result of Walt Disney International desires to start out shifting at the mission earlier than then. Initiatives introduced closing 12 months are beginning to achieve momentum, and there’s so much to sit up for in 2026 and past.
For Animation Courtyard to near in past due September and be reimagined within the span of more or less a 12 months is a in point of fact rapid turnaround time. Simply have a look at how lengthy International Birthday celebration in EPCOT took! Granted, that used to be “extra bold” (air quotes) and not on time, however this gained’t be as simple as it will appear. The reimagining seems to contain numerous placemaking, with facade paintings and upgraded commonplace spaces. That’s on most sensible of no matter adjustments are made to transform Superstar Wars Release Bay again into the Magic of Disney Animation.
Animation Courtyard is lately a sea of concrete that isn’t precisely an inviting position. I spent a while within the land at the day this announcement used to be made, and the realm used to be in reality the busiest I had noticed it shortly due to Cool Child Summer season. Regardless of it being a ‘warmth advisory’ day, there have been numerous households and children enjoying with characters, plus ceaselessly lengthy strains for the Little Mermaid – A Musical Journey.
I’m excited for a placemaking mission with a quicker turnaround time than International Birthday celebration in EPCOT. I’m additionally slightly assured from the concept that artwork and the overall targets of the mission that the result right here will likely be a real growth. If the rest, my hope is that Imagineering is given sufficient money and time to do that proper. I’d somewhat have this open in Spring 2027 if that’s what it takes, particularly if this house will likely be round for a decade or longer.
This could be a stopgap, singles and doubles-style mission–however it has the prospective to be a large growth over Animation Courtyard, and a real asset to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Dropping the archway is bittersweet, however shedding the lifeless mall house is a big win. Gaining an outside area that’s in reality a pleasing, shaded position to spend time could be a large win. The Walt Disney Studios Lot has the prospective to be a triple. Possibly even an inside-the-park house run.
Making plans a Walt Disney International travel? Find out about inns on our Walt Disney International Resorts Critiques web page. For the place to devour, learn our Walt Disney International Eating place Critiques. To economize on tickets or decide which sort to shop for, learn our Guidelines for Saving Cash on Walt Disney International Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys publish takes a singular have a look at artful pieces to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney International Trip Guides will lend a hand. For complete recommendation, the most productive position to start out is our Walt Disney International Go back and forth Making plans Information for the whole thing you want to grasp!
YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you take into accounts Animation Courtyard being reimagined into the Walt Disney Studios Lot? Do you view the demolition of the Disney-MGM Studios archway as a large loss, or a internet sure for opening up the realm and having the overhauled area be extra on-theme to Burbank? Having a look ahead to an all-new ‘The Magic of Disney Animation’ coming to Walt Disney International? Excited for this reimagined land? Or would you like a blockbuster new land that connects Toy Tale Land to Sundown Side road? Every other ideas or remark so as to add? Any questions we will allow you to solution? Listening to your comments–even while you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please percentage your ideas underneath within the feedback!
Following closing week’s wonder announcement, Walt Disney International has filed the primary development lets in for the overhaul of Animation Courtyard. This stocks complete main points, plus our remark in regards to the lack of this iconic archway that is without doubt one of the closing remnants of the unique Disney-MGM Studios.
In the event you neglected it, Walt Disney International made an out-of-the-blue announcement that Animation Courtyard is being reimagined into the Walt Disney Studios Lot at Hollywood Studios. The most important trade is that the Roy E. Disney Animation Development is changing Superstar Wars Release Bay at Hollywood Studios, and can home an all-new circle of relatives enjoy, “The Magic of Disney Animation.”
The reimagined “The Magic of Disney Animation” is encouraged by means of the fan-favorite quick, “As soon as Upon a Studio.” It starts because the animators have quickly stepped away, however the characters have come to existence they usually’re in a position to play. Visitors will have interaction with and discover foolish takes at the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, together with the numerous other studio departments. You’ll see portraits come to existence earlier than your eyes, in finding inspiration with a brief movie, and may even pencil in a while to learn to draw your very personal persona cartoon.
The brand new-look land will draw inspiration from a number of constructions discovered at the Disney campuses in Burbank, California. This will likely come with the Studio Theater and different constructions, which can get new appears, plus a contemporary Disney Jr. display on the soundstage. There’s additionally going to be the “Interested in Wonderland” indoor playground.
The brand new-look Walt Disney Studios Lot could also be reimagining the typical spaces of Animation Courtyard. It’ll have grassy grounds and a courtyard house the place households can take a smash to play, loosen up, or snack on tasty treats beneath lush timber. Disney has additionally implied that spontaneous persona appearances will happen beneath those timber.
The Walt Disney Studios Lot and “The Magic of Disney Animation” will open in 2026. As Walt Disney International prepares for this variation, Animation Courtyard, together with Superstar Wars Release Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will shut starting September 25, 2025.
Right through this time, visitors will nonetheless be capable to cross beneath the ocean with Ariel in “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Journey” and benefit from the reveals and picture presentation at Walt Disney Items.
This brings us to the brand new development lets in which were filed. The first allow is for 561 Degree Lane, the positioning of the long-lasting Disney’s Hollywood Studios archway, which will likely be demolished as a part of the Animation Courtyard reimagining. This lists the scope of the paintings as “supply hard work, subject material and/or electric for development” and is assigned to Buena Vista Development Corporate.
The 2d allow is for close by 551 Degree Lane. That is the cope with of the popcorn cart at once out of doors Animation Courtyard. It is a cool cart and has been there for years–I’ve pictures of it relationship again some time–however I doubt any individual goes to shed tears over it. And after all, the popcorn cart is almost certainly simply being quickly relocated all through demolition and development.
Something to notice this is that Buena Vista Development Corporate generally handles smaller-scale tasks; they’re Walt Disney International’s in-house contractor that handles fundamental upkeep and paintings. We haven’t in point of fact noticed their scope amplify to surround full-scale demolition, so that is most likely laying the groundwork for that. It’s now not the real demolition of the gateway front to Animation Courtyard.
BVCC handles more effective such things as relocating that popcorn cart and coping with the underlying electric; possibly one thing equivalent with the archway. We’re hoping that the pretty bas-relief panels at the archway are preserved and relocated–with a bit of luck, the primary allow pertains to that. We don’t be expecting this archway to head in the back of development partitions till past due September; it’ll almost certainly be demolished as temporarily as conceivable as soon as it does.
In isolation, those lets in aren’t all that meaningful. We indubitably is probably not doing a separate publish on each and every unmarried inconsequential development allow filed for the Animation Courtyard, as there will likely be many. Alternatively, we would have liked an ‘excuse’ to revisit this reimagining and substitute mission, and those lets in presented that.
First, those lets in must provide an explanation for the backdrop of the announcement within the first position. We’ve heard from quite a lot of enthusiasts who’re puzzled and/or serious about why the Walt Disney Studios Lot could be introduced a month earlier than Vacation spot D23. In spite of everything, this information feels tailored for an match like that.
It’s a singles and doubles genre win that replaces some of the worst spaces in all of Walt Disney International, and does so by means of bringing again an extinct enchantment, weaving in nods to the corporate’s historical past, and comprises placemaking upgrades. That’s catnip for diehard Walt Disney International enthusiasts!
The ones within the “excited” camp have assumed that the Animation Courtyard information getting preempted from Vacation spot D23 implies that there’s a jam-packed slate of reports. That that is mainly being bumped for time. It’s our working out that that is now not correct, and we’d strongly counsel adjusting your expectancies.
In all probability, this Animation Courtyard announcement got here out of left box on a random morning as a result of Walt Disney International had to get out forward of development lets in. In the event that they didn’t make a statement, lets in during the last couple of weeks would result in rampant hypothesis.
That hypothesis would possibly result in unhappiness, as there were rumors about longer-term plans which might be bold. As an alternative of being serious about a small near-term victory, there’s a model of this announcement that comes to unhappiness as it fell in need of no matter we constructed up in our heads over the following month.
Some other factor we wish to talk about is the lack of the long-lasting archway, which has been round for the reason that Disney-MGM Studios days. Since I’ve been a fan, this gateway has long gone thru many alternative colour and brand adjustments, however it’s nonetheless controlled to stay round whilst such a lot of the park has long gone extinct.
We’ve misplaced the Earful Tower and the whole thing else at the backlot. Grauman’s Chinese language Theater survived the substitute of Nice Film Trip, fortunately. That or Tower of Terror are almost certainly the park’s visible ‘icon’ now, however this archway used to be a detailed 2d for plenty of enthusiasts. I’ve numerous circle of relatives pictures from over time with this serving because the backdrop.
Dropping the archway does really feel like the tip of an technology, and I’ll be moderately unhappy to peer it cross. Emphasis on moderately. Whilst I’ve my nostalgia for the arch–as do many different longtime enthusiasts–I additionally suppose a powerful case may also be made for ditching this. It’s an entranceway to a “land” that exists off the primary hub of the park, and feels adore it’s virtually gating-off what must be a extra open and alluring area.
It’s tough to shake the glasses of nostalgia, however I believe like if the park had been constructed these days from the bottom up, enthusiasts would view this archway as awkwardly-placed. Although now not, there’s one thing to be mentioned for changing this with the precise studio lot front signage, and letting the Sorcerer Mickey Hat be the “wienie” deeper within the Walt Disney Studio Lot that beckons visitors into the realm.
Clearing that sightline to make this house extra inviting is a brilliant transfer, and a probably really useful one. It’s sudden simply how lifeless Animation Courtyard has felt over time regardless of being proper there within the dead-center of the park.
Despite the fact that the elimination of the archway does really feel symbolically-significant for the loss of life of the Disney-MGM Studios, the substance is what issues extra. “The Magic of Disney Animation” moves me as a return-to-form and the primary “studios park” trade at DHS in a very long time.
Above all else, it’s heartening to peer development lets in filed so rapid, and that the explanation this announcement got here earlier than Vacation spot D23 used to be as a result of Walt Disney International desires to start out shifting at the mission earlier than then. Initiatives introduced closing 12 months are beginning to achieve momentum, and there’s so much to sit up for in 2026 and past.
For Animation Courtyard to near in past due September and be reimagined within the span of more or less a 12 months is a in point of fact rapid turnaround time. Simply have a look at how lengthy International Birthday celebration in EPCOT took! Granted, that used to be “extra bold” (air quotes) and not on time, however this gained’t be as simple as it will appear. The reimagining seems to contain numerous placemaking, with facade paintings and upgraded commonplace spaces. That’s on most sensible of no matter adjustments are made to transform Superstar Wars Release Bay again into the Magic of Disney Animation.
Animation Courtyard is lately a sea of concrete that isn’t precisely an inviting position. I spent a while within the land at the day this announcement used to be made, and the realm used to be in reality the busiest I had noticed it shortly due to Cool Child Summer season. Regardless of it being a ‘warmth advisory’ day, there have been numerous households and children enjoying with characters, plus ceaselessly lengthy strains for the Little Mermaid – A Musical Journey.
I’m excited for a placemaking mission with a quicker turnaround time than International Birthday celebration in EPCOT. I’m additionally slightly assured from the concept that artwork and the overall targets of the mission that the result right here will likely be a real growth. If the rest, my hope is that Imagineering is given sufficient money and time to do that proper. I’d somewhat have this open in Spring 2027 if that’s what it takes, particularly if this house will likely be round for a decade or longer.
This could be a stopgap, singles and doubles-style mission–however it has the prospective to be a large growth over Animation Courtyard, and a real asset to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Dropping the archway is bittersweet, however shedding the lifeless mall house is a big win. Gaining an outside area that’s in reality a pleasing, shaded position to spend time could be a large win. The Walt Disney Studios Lot has the prospective to be a triple. Possibly even an inside-the-park house run.
Making plans a Walt Disney International travel? Find out about inns on our Walt Disney International Resorts Critiques web page. For the place to devour, learn our Walt Disney International Eating place Critiques. To economize on tickets or decide which sort to shop for, learn our Guidelines for Saving Cash on Walt Disney International Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys publish takes a singular have a look at artful pieces to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney International Trip Guides will lend a hand. For complete recommendation, the most productive position to start out is our Walt Disney International Go back and forth Making plans Information for the whole thing you want to grasp!
YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you take into accounts Animation Courtyard being reimagined into the Walt Disney Studios Lot? Do you view the demolition of the Disney-MGM Studios archway as a large loss, or a internet sure for opening up the realm and having the overhauled area be extra on-theme to Burbank? Having a look ahead to an all-new ‘The Magic of Disney Animation’ coming to Walt Disney International? Excited for this reimagined land? Or would you like a blockbuster new land that connects Toy Tale Land to Sundown Side road? Every other ideas or remark so as to add? Any questions we will allow you to solution? Listening to your comments–even while you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please percentage your ideas underneath within the feedback!
